Super Street Network

2009 Volkswagen GTI 2.0 TSI - Proven

VW's 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection engine was predicted to be both a blessing and a curse for aftermarket part manufacturers. A blessing in that the motor itself and fuel system have evolved to be more robust than the first generation 2.0, but a curse with the higher degree of programming difficulty due to more advanced encryption. In essence, it is more tunable but harder to tune. Considering these changes, we wanted to test how adept some aftermarket manufacturers are at meeting the challenge and how much better the second generation 2.0 TSI responds to aftermarket parts. Our earlier Proven with the first generation 2.0 required fuel system upgrades (fuel pumps and injectors) in order to produce decent power. In theory the second gen should be easier to squeeze power out of-throw on a turbo and some supporting mods and voila-instant power. We shall see.

Test Notes
The baseline and AWE TSI K04 91 octane test utilized the same tank of 91 octane fuel. All horsepower and torque numbers are quoted at the wheels. It is also important to keep in mind that the "Mustang" dyno, when properly calibrated, produces more accurate horsepower and torque numbers. These numbers might seem low when compared to a Dynojet-roughly 10 percent, sometimes even greater if the dyno isn't properly calibrated. While the numbers matter, it's the differences between the runs that help prove or disprove the validity of the manufacturer's horsepower and torque claims.

Pros
• K04 kit contains all the parts required, no additional modifications needed
• Turbo was adapted and modified from original FSI engine to be a direct bolt-on
• GIAC software requires no fueling upgrade to achieve peak performance
• All-aluminum S3 intercooler is a direct replacement for the factory unit and increases cooling capacity by 30%
•German-made 200-cell catalytic converter offers maximum flow without a CEL
•Carbon fiber airbox directs cool air from the grille and helps reduce radiant heat transfer into the intake
• Can be used with the stock airbox, making it the ultimate stealth upgrade

Test Notes
Due to the time-consuming nature of the AWE K04 turbo kit and additional AWE parts install, we were unable to perform all the dyno work on the same day. The K04 upgrade is a standalone upgrade and AWE recommended we install the supporting modifications to demonstrate the upgrade's full potential. The baseline dyno was performed in the morning and the subsequent dyno tests were performed two days later.

GIAC Flashloader Hand-held loaded with race gas performance programPros
• Very easy to use-with a simple push of the "read' button the LED illuminates the current program setting, thus reducing confusion
• A variety of additional features and programs offer increased security, eliminate prying eyes, and manage power output levels
• Race gas-specific programming maximizes power gains by taking full advantage of the increased octane
• Will also work on street-legal 100 (slight reduction in power gains)

Test Notes
The race gas performance program was installed at the same time as the original 91 octane software. So all we had to do was drain the remaining 91 octane from the vehicle's gas tank and pour in the entire five gallons of Sunoco 260 GT Plus 104 Octane.

Conclusion
Upon starting the stone cold GTI for its maiden voyage test drive, I heard a deep and almost troubling rumble emanating from the car's backside-approximating the sound your body makes after some bad Mexican food. But after the car warmed up, the exhaust note mellowed out and the exhaust under idle was more regular and less rumbly. Under acceleration the exhaust had a nice, even tone and deceleration was also smooth, following a classic bell-shaped sound curve. Though there was no raspiness or droning, the overall sound was on the verge of being too loud for my tastes. Right on the cusp-enjoyable to drive but definitely noticeable and could attract unwanted attention.

The GTI was equipped with 18-inch BFG g-Force T/A KDW tires and from a standstill they were able to grip the asphalt and propel the GTI forward. First gear disappeared instantly; in the blink of an eye I found myself easily shifting to third. With a solid, smooth pull to redline even with the A/C on, there was no noticeable performance drop. In low speed, higher gear situations (a great test for power and torque), I hit the accelerator and the car was still able to pull solidly-the GTI passed with flying colors.

Sometimes when you drive a modded car, it's fast but doesn't really feel like it's fast. I now know why they wanted me to put on all the bells and whistles with the KO4. Now the car is giddy fast. When you floor it, the pit of your stomach drops a bit, and you find yourself giggling like a little schoolgirl.

The 104 octane and GIAC race program added another dimension to the GTI's already stellar performance, because let's face it: more power equals more fun.